If you are unsure about going to a daily or week-long summer camp, here a few reasons why you should attend one.
1. A camp is a great place to meet and make new friends. Don't forget to exchange numbers and address when camp is over so you can keep in touch.
2. You will get to ride at camp and spend a lot of time riding and doing things with them. Not only will it make you a better rider, but it was also teach you things about horses you might not have known.
3. Depending on what camp you go to, you might be able to do other activities, like sports, swimming, hiking and other fun activities.
4. You may get to look after a horse or pony of your own and learn all about their personality.
5. A lot of horse camps may offer different classes so you can learn all about horses. You can learn about how to properly feed, groom, clean stalls and many other topics you might not have known about.
6. If you go away to summer camp, try a variety of different activities. You may find that you like something you never thought you would be interested in.
7. If you are old enough, you just might be able to be a camp counselor next year and help out with all sorts of games and activities.
8. Some camps offer horse shows at the end of the session. You may get to show off everything you have learned and even win some prizes.
9. Some camps might even do trail riding where you get to ride through the woods and water. They may even take you and the horses camping over night. Be sure to pack a tent and sleeping bag!
10. You will get to take lessons everyday from someone who is not your trainer. It is always good to learn from someone else because you never know what you may learn about riding.
11. Even if you don't have much knowledge or experience with horses, the staff and trainers are always there to help you and teach you new things. They may even put you in a group with other riders who have the same amount of experience as you do.
12. If you're going to a camp that is a week long or more where you have to stay overnight, you will get to stay in a cabin and bunk with other kids who might be just as horse-crazy as you are!
So you have decided to go to summer camp? Great! Now you will have to figure out what you may need to bring along with you.
Whether you are going to a camp that is day-long or you will be staying over night, there are several things you may need. It is important to make a list of all the items you need or want to take along with you to summer camp. You don't want to leave anything behind. Here are some of the essentials you may need at summer camp:
Riding Clothing - This includes britches, boots and a helmet. If you don't have one already, take a trip to your local tack store and by an inexpensive schooling helmet. You want a helmet that fits your head properly. You might not want to wear a smelly, dirty old helmet that a hundred other people have worn do you? Make sure you write your name on your new helmet too so others know who it belongs to.
If you don't ride on a regular basis, it might still be a good idea to buy a cheaper pair of riding pants and boots. Riding in jeans is uncomfortable and could rub and leave marks on your legs as well. Riding in sneakers is not a good idea either. Invest in a boot that has a heel for extra security and safety.
Camera - If you bring a camera along, you can take all kinds of pictures of you, your new friends and all the activities you will be doing at camp. Remember to bring the charger or extra batteries and another memory card too. If you don't have a digital camera, you can always stop at a local convenience store and buy some disposable ones.
If you are going to be staying overnight at a camp, you are going to be needing a few different things than if you were only staying for a day. . .
Blankets and Pillows - Some camps do have blankets and pillows for your bunk, but sometimes if might make you feel more at home if you brought your own. Find out if you are going to need your own bedding before heading off to camp.
Books - It might also be a good idea to bring along some reading material, whether it's your summer reading for school or for your own pleasure. You could also read before bed or by the side of the pool or lake
Stationary - Some camps don't allow computers or laptops, so it might be a good idea to bring some pens and paper so you can write to your friends and family back home and tell them how much of a good time you are having. Yes, this may seem like something that your parents did back in the dinosaur times, but everyone will enjoy getting a letter or two from you.
These are just the essentials you might want to take along with you to camp. Make sure you make a list and check it twice before heading off to camp. Also, don't forget to back extra socks and a few extra pairs of clean undies!
Emily Heggan is a senior at Rowan University majoring in journalism. She currently competes in the 3' hunters with her horse, General, and enjoys writing about equestrian supplies like horse blankets.
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